Summary of Funding Streams
The BCRC has several different funding programs with all funds going towards advancing priorities listed in the Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy. timing and matching fund requirements differ between the programs. Be sure to subscribe to the BCRC mailing list to be notified when research calls are launched.
Currently open calls can be found on our call for proposals page. Visit Researcher FAQs for general information on our research calls including eligibility, leverage requirements, tips for application writing and more.
Priority research funding:
This call occurs approximately every 18 months and is designed for research projects that are up to three years in length. BCRC will fund a maximum of 50% of total project costs.
Science Cluster:
The science cluster program is co-funded by Agriculture Agri-Food Canada. Applications for this program open once every 5 years. Researchers are invited to present their project ideas to the BCRC who will subsequently submit a package of research initiatives to AAFC for matching funds. This program is intended for research projects that are up to 5 years in length and focus on longer-term goals and objectives.
Proof of concept funding:
This call happens annually in the fall. The intent is to test novel or high-risk research ideas and determine the viability of developing them into a larger, more defined project. This call also allows researcher to validate practices or technologies that have been discovered through research projects and/or to facilitate the adaptation of technologies utilized in other sectors, commodities or countries. This call has a maximum of $50,000 and projects should be 12 months or less. There is no requirement for match funding; these should be standalone projects, not part of a larger research project. Submissions from for-profit companies will only be considered if the research advances broader industry priorities beyond the evaluation of a specific product.
Capacity funding:
This program is designed to ensure the Canadian beef industry continues to have access to the academic expertise it needs to complete priority research. This call happens sporadically based on funding availability and the needs of the industry. Expressions of Interest are accepted for transition and startup funds as well as for long term investments in research chair positions identified by the BCRC.
Regional Knowledge Mobilization activities:
This funding call happens annually in summer. Funding is available for, but not limited to, producer events. The Knowledge Mobilization events eligible for funding must involve beef producers, and the BCRC does not provide standalone funding to support conferences or scientific meetings. While recurring event sponsorship is not eligible, innovative knowledge mobilization activities held independently or in conjunction with existing events will be considered. Preference is given to new and innovative engagement ideas such as presenting information in a new format or demonstrating a new technology as well as any specific priorities that are identified in the call year.